Unified Approach to Isoindolinones and THIQs via Lewis Acid Catalyzed Domino Mukaiyama-Mannich Lactamization/Alkylations: Application in the Synthesis of (±)-Homolaudanosine

A novel and efficient synthesis of a variety of isoindolinones and tetrahydroisoquinolines via a Lewis acid catalyzed domino Mukaiyama-Mannich lactamization/alkylation is achieved. This transformation comprises a sequential formation of three new bonds through a one-pot, three-component procedure to afford product in moderate to high yields. A concise synthesis of (+/-)-homolaudanosine (2b) has been achieved using this method.